Every sunset in Aruba is undoubtedly magical, but an evening at the Atardi Restaurant beach with a chef possessing 2 Michelin stars for his culinary skills exceeded all expectations of exclusivity and perfection.
Xclusivo Magazine had the honor of being invited to sit at the management table of Marriott Aruba Resort & Stellaris Casino to experience a unique culinary journey on the Aruba beach. This was the first of two events organized with Chef Francois Geurds in Aruba as part of a tremendous Michelin Pop-Up event, which was sold out. We sat alongside 70 other guests, savoring a unique culinary level, paralleled with the sunset and night stars serving as the event's unique decoration with music by Serghio Jansen, creating the perfect vibe. We share with you our experience of this majestic culinary journey.
Chef Francois Geurds Chef Francois Geurds, the driving force behind this exceptional event, originates from FG in Rotterdam. This prestigious restaurant was awarded a Michelin star from 2010-2013 and ascended to two stars from 2014 onwards. This culinary sanctuary has garnered numerous accolades since its debut in 2009. What makes Chef Geurds even more special to us in Aruba is his 'roots' that connect him to our island; his mother is from Aruba and is a crucial influence in his passion and love for his culinary skills and art today. "
Chef Francois Geurds
Chef Francois Geurds
"My mother loved to cook, even when I was very young. From an early age, I was captivated by her passion for cooking and the exploration of flavors. I would sit, spellbound in front of the oven, wondering about the magic happening inside. I yearned to learn how to cook, to understand that magic, and to master the culinary techniques."
Aruban Culinary Odyssey Seventy fortunate guests were the first to revel in the magic of Chef Francois Geurds. Upon arrival, everyone was invited to take off their shoes, relax, and prepare for a unique evening. Seated at the table with toes delightfully buried in white sand and a view of the approaching sunset, the flavor-filled journey began. We were eager to discover what awaited us. The night commenced with an amuse of beetroot French macaron with chicken in the form of mousse and crispy skin on top. An exquisite surprise from an unexpected combination. In a surprising twist, what followed was a traditional Aruban Oyster soup in a creamy form, complemented by an oyster atop white chocolate - who could have imagined that? The culinary journey continued with a Ceviche Bacalao that was bursting with flavor and tenderness, and a delightful meat stoba, both prepared with the Michelin star touch. The Stoba was surely the highlight of the evening, honoring Chef Francois Geurds' Aruban roots. The climax was the Bolo Preto dessert, a creative take on our island's cherished wedding cake, crowned with crème pâtissière and adorned with a wafer and ice cream. The softness and taste of the two desserts were more than satisfying. It was, simply put, masterful. We can't say what was better than the other because everything was perfect.
Sopi Oester
Sopi Oester
The wine pairing from Pepia Est was magnificent and perfectly balanced. The experience began with Champagne Tattinger Brut Reserve, then moved to wines from France, Spain, and the USA. ASD ensured that each wine's character was accentuated and served in the perfect glass. Plates and cutlery added to the elegance of the evening, with the service being simply 'on point'.
Every guest received a letter from the chef, reflecting his deep respect for Aruba and crediting his mother's heritage and recipes. His invitation to dine at his restaurant in Rotterdam was a thoughtful gesture, ensuring his culinary magic continues to captivate those who visit Rotterdam.
Atardi's compact kitchen was bustling with more than two dozen culinary aspirants from the local school. They delighted in observing the experts, gaining insights into the nuances of gourmet preparations. Recognizing and nurturing this passion is essential, especially in a region where tourism is paramount, and kudos to Marriott Aruba Resort & Stellaris Casino for championing this cause.
Once again, Marriott Aruba Resort & Stellaris Casino, through this event, set a benchmark in culinary excellence. The evening was not merely a dinner; it was a testament to the harmonious blend of Aruban culture and Michelin-level finesse. As the night concluded, it was clear that this wasn't just another event but an extraordinary experience, adding to Marriott Aruba Resort & Stellaris Casino commitment to delivering exclusivity and quality in everything they do. Bravo!
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